Greenhouses Model

The Greenhouse Model explains how Earth's atmosphere acts like a greenhouse, trapping heat to keep the planet warm. Solar energy from the Sun passes through the atmosphere and reaches Earth's surface, warming it. In turn, Earth releases heat as infrared radiation, but greenhouse gases—like carbon dioxide and methane—absorb much of this heat and re-radiate it back toward the surface. This natural process maintains a stable climate, but human activities have increased greenhouse gases, enhancing this effect and leading to global warming. The model helps illustrate how atmospheric composition influences planetary temperature.